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Weekend Getaway: What to See and Do in Rockton, IL
Sometimes a weekend getaway is just what the doctor ordered for some R&R. Our real estate agents recommend exploring the charming village of Rockton, just minutes from Rockford homes for sale.Â
Plan a Weekend Getaway in Rockton, IL
Nygren Wetland Preserve - Rockton, IL
Address: 3190 W. Rockton Road, Rockton, IL 61072
If it's peace and tranquility you seek, look no further than the Nygren Wetland Preserve. No boats, bicycles, or other unauthorized vehicles are allowed on the 721-acre grounds, leaving visitors free to enjoy hiking and birdwatching without distractions.
The 2.5-mile Dianne Nora Nature Trail is the centerpiece of the Preserve, along with the Jack Cook Pavilion that serves as a wildlife overlook. Red foxes, bald eagles, and badgers are just a few of the species that make their home here.
Hours are sunrise to sunset daily, and admission is free.
Macktown Living History - Rockton, IL
Address: 2221 Freeport Road, Rockton, IL 61072
Get a fascinating glimpse of Rockton in the mid-19th century at Macktown Living History. The district, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, is named for Stephen Mack Jr., who founded the settlement originally known as Pecatonic.
Buildings onsite include:
- Whitman's Trading Post
- The 1839 residence of Stephen Mack Jr. and his family
- The rebuilt Stevens shop, home to the first schoolhouse in Winnebago County
Macktown Living History is open from 2 - 4 p.m. on the second Sunday of each month, as well as during special events. Grounds are open to the public during Macktown Forest Preserve hours.Â
Sugar Britches - Rockton, IL
Address: 115 W. Main St., Rockton, IL 61072
Hard to say whether you or your kids will be more excited with a visit to Sugar Britches. This downtown Rockton favorite serves up a healthy dose of nostalgia with their incredible selection of old-fashioned candy.
Savor your favorite candy or try a new one from brands such as:
- Laffy Taffy
- Boston Baked Beans
- Good & Plenty
- Mary Janes
Sugar Britches is open noon - 7 p.m. Wednesday through Friday, 11 a.m. - 7 p.m. Saturday, and noon - 4 p.m. Sunday.
Sam's Pizza Restaurant - Rockton, IL
Address: 130 N. Blackhawk Blvd., Rockton, IL 61072
After more than 40 years, Sam's Pizza Restaurant remains a local institution. At the family-owned restaurant, now being operated by the third generation, customers create their own pizza incorporating their personal choices of crust, sauce, and toppings.
Not a fan of pizza? No worries. Select from other dishes on the menu:
- Poorboys and calzones
- Spaghetti, ravioli, lasagna, and other traditional pastas
- Burgers and fish, chicken, and steak sandwiches
Hours are 3:30 - 9:30 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 3 - 10:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
Prairie Street Mercantile - Rockton, IL
Address: 122 S. Prairie St., Rockton, IL 61072
What's a classic small town without a traditional mercantile store? Visitors can easily spend hours browsing the treasures found at Prairie Street Mercantile. The shop fulfills a long-held dream of owners Kayte and Andrew Vaughan, who carefully curate their assortment of merchandise from sources in and out of state.
Here's a sampling of items you may find during a trip to Prairie Street Mercantile:
- Pottery, framed art, and other home decor accessories
- Small furniture
- A recently opened garden area
Prairie Street Mercantile is open 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. every day but Monday.
Dickerson & Nieman: Your Real Estate Experts in Rockford, IL
Buying or selling a home doesn't have to be intimidating. Contact us to learn more.